Maersk has announced new air‑freight surcharges in response to surging jet fuel prices and mounting operational disruption across the Middle East, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to reshape global transport networks and constrain capacity.
In a customer advisory issued on March 13, Maersk said volatility in aviation fuel markets has intensified following the latest escalation in the region, prompting a rise in Fuel Surcharges (FSC) across its air‑freight operations.
The company said FSC levels will now be reviewed weekly and adjusted "in line with developments in aviation fuel prices, based on established market indices."
For contract renewals without an existing FSC mechanism, Maersk will propose allocating 15% of the rate to fuel.
At the same time, Maersk Air Freight will introduce a Transit Disruption Surcharge (TDS) to cover the additional costs of securing capacity, rerouting shipments, and maintaining service continuity as airspace restrictions and diversions ripple across the network. Customers will receive advance notice before any adjustments take effect.
"The situation in the Middle East remains dynamic and may evolve quickly," Maersk said, adding that it continues to monitor developments closely and will update customers on any further impacts to transportation costs or operations.
Strait of Hormuz closure forces rerouting
The advisory comes as Maersk's ocean network faces severe disruption from the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for Gulf shipping.
The company has halted all vessel transits through the strait, citing escalating security risks, and has rerouted services around the Cape of Good Hope.
Maersk has also confirmed that multiple vessels remain unable to exit the Persian Gulf, with ships grouped offshore for safety as attacks and security incidents continue to affect ports and maritime infrastructure.
The carrier has suspended bookings for most cargo types to and from Gulf countries, with limited exceptions for essential goods.
The closure has triggered widespread knock‑on effects across the industry, including extended transit times due to Cape diversions; port congestion as cargo is discharged at alternative hubs; schedule disruption across Asia–Europe, Middle East–India, and Middle East–US services; and equipment imbalances, particularly shortages of empty containers in Asia.
Analysts warn that the longer the strait remains closed, the more severe the equipment and schedule impacts will become, particularly for Asia‑origin export markets.
Air freight under pressure as rerouting spreads
The Middle East airspace restrictions have also tightened global air‑freight capacity, with carriers forced to reroute long‑haul flights, extend block times, and avoid key corridors.
Maersk said these pressures are directly contributing to the need for the new TDS.
Industry data shows that diversions around the region have added hours to major Asia–Europe and Asia–US routings, reducing available bellyhold capacity and increasing operating costs for airlines and forwarders.
Maersk said it expects further volatility in both fuel markets and network operations as the situation evolves.
"We continue to monitor developments closely and will keep you informed of market changes that may impact transportation costs or operations," the company said in its advisory.